Prospect Park Zoo is a compact wildlife park at 450 Flatbush Ave on the eastern side of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Its manageable paths make it a good choice for a shorter outing, especially with young children. Look for red pandas, active monkeys and sea lions, and follow the Discovery Trail through animal habitats. At the Barn & Garden, children can meet farm animals, including sheep and alpacas. Indoor exhibits and outdoor paths give the visit variety without requiring a full day.
A compact zoo in Prospect Park
Prospect Park Zoo is at 450 Flatbush Avenue, on the eastern side of Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The zoo covers 12 acres, with indoor exhibits, outdoor paths and a farm area. Its smaller scale makes it suited to a few hours with children or to a shorter zoo visit rather than a full-day outing.
The zoo has been open to the public since 1935. It closed for reconstruction in 1988 and reopened as the Prospect Park Wildlife Conservation Center in 1993. Some vintage architecture and sculptures remain from the site’s earlier history.
Follow the Discovery Trail
The Discovery Trail winds past animal habitats and gives children interactive activities along the way. Animals you may encounter include red pandas and dingoes, while the aviary has South African scops owls. The Hall of Animals focuses on smaller species, including poison dart frogs and fennec foxes.
The zoo’s other areas include Sea Lion Court, Animal Lifestyles, Animals in Our Lives, and Barn & Garden. Indoor exhibits and outdoor trails make it possible to move between different habitats during the visit. Peacocks may also wander around the grounds.
Sea lions and farm animals
Sea Lion Court is one of the zoo’s central stops. Training sessions take place three times daily, with sea lions diving and eating fish as part of the demonstrations. The timing can make this a useful place to pause during a walk around the grounds.
At Barn & Garden, children can get close to farm animals such as sheep and alpacas. Food pellets are available from machines near the animals for 50 cents, according to the information provided. Follow any instructions posted at the feeding area.
Planning your visit
The zoo is at 450 Flatbush Avenue, beside Prospect Park. The main entrance has steps, so visitors with a stroller may need to use the accessible side entrance. The zoo has an accessible entrance and accessible parking.
Advance tickets are recommended. The available payment information lists Apple Pay for ticket purchases, but the amenities also indicate cash-only service, so check payment options before you go. The cited ticket amount of $10 may not reflect current prices.
Allow around two to three hours to see the exhibits and trails at an unhurried pace. Going on a weekday or earlier in the day can help avoid busier periods. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m.; closing time varies by day, so check the current schedule when planning.
FAQ
How long do you need at Prospect Park Zoo?
Allow about two to three hours for the exhibits and outdoor paths. The compact layout also suits a shorter visit.
What animals can you see at Prospect Park Zoo?
Animals mentioned include sea lions, red pandas, monkeys, dingoes, owls and farm animals such as sheep and alpacas. The collection also includes smaller species in the Hall of Animals.
Can children feed animals at Prospect Park Zoo?
The Barn & Garden has a feeding area for farm animals. Food pellets are sold from machines nearby for 50 cents, according to the information provided.
Is Prospect Park Zoo accessible for wheelchair users?
The zoo has an accessible entrance and accessible parking. The main entrance has steps, so use the accessible side entrance if needed.
